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Best Mattress for the Money 2019

Buying a mattress is a big decision, but there’s no reason to throw money away on overpriced mattresses that under-deliver or rely solely on powerful brand names to reel you in. There are a few factors you can consider when looking for the best mattress for your money that will help to guarantee that you make the right choice for your body and your budget.

Different mattress types play a large role when considering the best value mattress. Coil, memory foam, latex foam, hybrid, and pillow-top are among some of the most popular styles in today’s market. In addition to mattress types, there are a few top qualities to look for in good value mattresses; layered construction, material longevity, and warranty are just a few things to consider. By asking the right questions, you can narrow down the sea of mattress choices until you find your best mattress for the money! Let’s get started.

Best Mattress for the Money Top Picks

Naturally, these reflect my own preferences and biases (as of 2019), so just use this list as a starting point. Below are some of my best-valued mattresses on the market:

Pressure Relief

Purple Mattress

Purple Mattress

Designed with contouring hyper-elastic polymer, the Purple mattress is great for those in need of pressure relief along the spine. Get a free set of Purple Sheets when you buy now!

Top Value Mattress Picks Detailed

Pressure Relief: Purple Mattress

One mattress that really impresses at Sleepopolis is the Purple mattress. It has a unique gel comfort layer that really stands apart in terms of both pressure relief and value. Finding a similar-feeling comfort layer is almost impossible, making it a big draw for value shoppers as well as side sleepers. Learn more in my full Purple mattress review.

Memory Foam: Layla

Looking for a value memory foam mattress? Check out Layla. This isn’t the cheapest memory foam mattress on the market, but it has a construction that makes it stand out as an affordable luxury memory foam option in my mind.

The mattress is flippable, giving you two firmness options, and the memory foam is infused with copper to help you sleep cool. Learn more in my full Layla mattress review.

Innerspring: Saatva

A quality innerspring mattress with a great value is the Saatva mattress. Saatva is one of the few companies selling an innerspring mattress with the online-only business model, passing along a lot of savings to the consumer. (These days, there are a ton of online mattress companies, but you can’t fit an innerspring mattress in a box to ship easily!)

Heavy Sleepers: WinkBeds Plus

If you’re a heavy sleeper (think 250 pounds or more) looking for a good mattress for the money, check out the WinkBeds Plus. This is a special take on the WinkBeds mattress designed specifically for heavy sleepers.

The construction doubles down on a lot of the materials and construction of the original WinkBeds, making it ideally more comfortable and more durable for heavy sleepers and couples. Learn more in my full WinkBeds mattress review.

Some other great value options for heavier sleepers are the Big Fig and the GhostBed.

Save $60!

WinkBeds Plus Mattress

WinkBeds Plus Mattress

The WinkBeds Plus was designed to be bouncy, cooling, and particularly supportive for heavier sleepers! Save $60 on your order with our exclusive discount!

Latex Feel: GhostBed

Like that memory foam feel but looking for a little extra bounce? Consider a latex comfort layer at a great value with GhostBed.

GhostBed has a comfort layer of latex and a second layer of memory foam, so you get the best of both foams. And GhostBed comes in at a very reasonable price for such a construction. Learn more in my full GhostBed review.

Two other great value mattresses with a latex feel are the Leesa and the Casper.

Save $100!

Ghostbed Mattress

Ghostbed Mattress

The combination of bouncy latex and body-hugging memory foam offer sleepers a nice, balanced feel. Take $100 off your entire Ghostbed order with our exclusive discount!

Luxury: Casper Wave

Some people equate luxury with paying too much, but why not get a premium-quality mattress at a great value? Consider reasonably priced luxury with the Casper Wave.

The Casper Wave expands on the original Casper with one firmness option that should work for all types of sleepers. The mattress has high-quality materials and zoned support, making it an especially good option for side sleepers and heavy sleepers. Learn more in my full Casper Wave mattress review.

Side Sleepers: Nolah

Some mattresses try to be everything for everyone, but Nolah is content to serve primarily side sleepers. This mattress is well priced and specifically designed to help align the spine and alleviate pressure points on the hips and shoulders when you’re laying on your side. Learn more in my full Nolah mattress review.

Value: The Allswell

The Allswell is a bed in a box hybrid that provides great bounce and support. I found that the combination of soft foam quilted into the cover and pocketed coil support did a great job of aligning my spine. I was also impressed with the edge support on the mattress so this could be a great choice for couples looking for a new bed at a value price.

How Much Do Mattresses Cost?

To get an idea of the best value mattress, it helps to understand the average mattress cost. The range of mattress prices is enormous, and it all depends on your budget and the quality you’re seeking. For example, a queen-size bed may cost anywhere between $250 and $5,000. On average, many people anticipate spending at least $1,000 on a mattress. You’ll have to consider your budget and the qualities you value.

How Long Are Mattresses Supposed to Last?

When deciding which mattress is the best value, you should definitely consider quality and durability. You can expect your mattress to last at least 10 years. The general recommendation is to replace your mattress every 10 years, as even the most high-quality brands can start to wear down after many years of sleep satisfaction.

What Kind of Mattress Type Is the Best Value?

While there isn’t a definitive answer to this, there are a few things that are good to know about each mattress type.

Coil/spring mattresses are the most traditional and have layers of steel coils that help to provide distributed support to your body. Sometimes, these coils can even be wrapped in foam for added comfort and pressure relief. While innerspring mattresses are typically the least expensive, they can mean restless nights if the coil count is too low or if it uses poor-quality materials to separate your body from the hard coils. In addition, you can plan on replacing an innerspring mattress after only eight years.

Coil mattress example – 4″ pocketed coils, 8″ support coils

Memory foam mattresses are another option when shopping for the best value mattress. These mattresses are comprised of layers of memory foam that react to the complex contours of your body while you sleep. These can be more expensive than an innerspring mattress, but many people find the added foam layers to soothe aching back or joint pain through their exceptional pressure relief. A good memory foam mattress should last you about 10 years.

Memory foam mattress example – 6.5″ memory foam, 5.5″ support foam

Latex foam mattresses are similar to memory foam mattresses in that both styles are made up of foam layers. Unlike memory foam, latex responds a bit quicker when you toss or turn during the night. In addition, latex tends to sleep a little cooler than memory foam. A good latex foam mattress may be a little costlier upfront, but you may find it’s worth the investment, as it should last you at least 12 years.

Latex mattress example – 4″ latex, 6″ support foam

Hybrid mattresses are a blend between memory foam, latex, or coils. These tend to be a good mattress for your money by combining what people love most about each mattress type. Take the support and pressure relief of a good memory foam mattress and combine that with the cooling and quicker response time of a latex foam or innerspring mattress and you may find your perfect value mattress. Hybrids can include coils and foam or varying types of foam. A good hybrid mattress will still last you about 10 years.

Pillow-top mattresses can come in many different styles. They are characterized by the plush pillow-top cushion that is sewn into the top of the mattress and can be applied to innerspring, memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses. When considering value, keep in mind that choosing a pillow-top mattress can mean a slightly lower than average life span. The pillow-top portion (especially traditional pillow-tops) tend to be the first to go in terms of long-range performance. The soft, plush top layer can be supportive and comfortable, but when shopping for the best mattress for your money, that shorter lifespan is definitely something to think about.

What Qualities Should I Look for In a Great Value Mattress?

When you’re trying to identify the best mattress for your money, be sure to consider these three critical factors: layered construction, material longevity, and warranty.

When analyzing the construction, look for thick layers of material that will stand the test of time. Most of today’s top-quality mattresses are around 10 inches thick or more. Settling for something thinner may lead to problems like poor edge structure, sagging, and inadequate support while you sleep. While these types of mattresses may cost you less initially, their shorter lifespan will mean you must replace them sooner, costing you more in the long run.

Material longevity is another important consideration. For instance, when shopping for foam mattresses, know your foam! There are layers of support foam, Avena foam, gel memory foam, latex foam, poly foam, etc. The list goes on. Each foam has pros and cons, and knowing the breakdown of these materials and how long they will last will help you make an informed decision about the value of a mattress. Check out my guide on how to choose a mattress, which goes in depth on material types and the best scenarios for each choice.

Lastly, don’t forget to look into the mattress warranty. A mattress’s value may be exponentially greater if you find that there’s a great warranty. When considering a warranty, look at if the warranty covers full replacement or is prorated; if it’s the latter, make note of the terms. Look specifically at the sagging indentation level required before you may file a warranty claim. The best warranties cover full replacement for the entire life of the mattress, are usually at least 10 years long, and will cover any indentations of 1.5 inches or more. Warranties that have terms less than this are of lower value.

Be careful of long warranty periods that look too good to be true. Some companies will use 20-year, 30-year, or even lifetime warranties as a selling point. These types of warranties almost always use prorated terms and generally have indentation requirements that are 2 inches or deeper. These are the types of warranties you do not want.

Do I Have to Buy a Box Spring?

“Do I even really need a box spring?” This is a question a lot of shoppers are asking in today’s market when shopping for the best mattress for your money. After all, the value is significantly greater if you don’t have to immediately purchase a heavy box spring to accompany your mattress. Box springs are used to provide a good foundation and give extra height to a bed. To know for sure if one is required, be sure to check the warranty. If it’s not required, you may be able to save yourself a few bucks by forgoing the box spring altogether and opting for a sleeker look.

All steel slat frame. Slats are a little wider than is ideal, but the steel construction provides great rigidity and support

If you’re not sure if your box spring or current foundation is good enough, try sleeping for one night with your mattress on the floor. The floor is an ultra-hard surface and a good example of what great support for your mattress should feel like.

How Can I Make My Mattress Last?

One quick way to add instant value to your mattress is to take care of it. From day one, use a high-quality mattress protector. Not only does this protect from spills and stains, but it also wards off bed bugs, dust mites, sweat, dirt, and other allergens that might try and make their way into your mattress. Make a point to wash your protector as often as you wash your sheets (at least every one to two weeks, ideally).

Sleep Tite protector – one of my favorite protectors and an amazing value

In addition, be sure to clean your mattress regularly. Sprinkle it with baking soda and vacuum it for quick odor elimination. Look to bleach or enzymatic cleaners for the harder-to-clean areas. Proper maintenance of your mattress will ensure that you are getting the most for your money and it will last you for years to come.

What’s the Best Value Mattress for Me?

Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality, longevity, or comfort. Sleepopolis recommends the following best mattresses for your money:

Uses a combination of foam and a proprietary hyper-elastic polymer comfort layer that is formed into a grid structure. This unique layer provides an even mix of support and pressure relief and has temperature regulating benefits as well.

Coil on coil design creates a bouncy and supportive mattress. The Saatva also includes a euro-style pillowtop for pressure relief, and a high density poly foam edge support layer, which strengthens the side of the mattress allowing you to sleep all the way to the edge of the bed without worrying about collapsing the side.

Uses a combination of poly, latex and memory foams to provide comfort. The Wave includes a special polymer network in the construction to provide extra support. The base of the mattress is contoured to allow for pressure relief at the hips and shoulders.

The Nectar uses 3 layers of memory foam, including one quilted into the cover, to provide pressure relief and contouring to the body. The Tencel cover and gel memory foam comfort layer are meant to help with temperature regulation and cooling.

While the construction types vary between these mattresses, all of them fall under $850. The $500-$850 price range provides a nice balance of quality and performance vs. price in my opinion. You get the high end durable materials that will ensure you have a mattress that goes for at least 8-10 years, but you don’t have to pay for extra bells and whistles you don’t necessarily need. If you do decide you want to spend a little more money check out my guide on the overall best mattress. It includes many of these in addition to a few other more pricey choices.

Logan is the content director of Sleepopolis, which means he not only reviews new mattresses every week, but also curates all the comparisons, best of pages, and video guides on the site. He takes a straightforward, honest approach to his reviews and endeavors to give viewers an objective look at each new product he tries out. Logan’s perfected his method over the course of personally testing over 100 different mattresses, so he’s not only able to discern the overall vibe of a specific bed, but to contextualize its feel within the bed-in-a-box market as a whole. Needless to say, his sleep knowledge runs deep, and he loves nothing more than sharing that knowledge with his readers. When he’s not hopping on a new bed or working with our editorial team to whip up an engaging sleep education guide, you can find him reading books on world history, walking his dog Pepper, or searching for the best cheeseburger in New York City.

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The Sleepopolis team is a group of sleep enthusiasts that will bring you the latest reviews, news, and analysis on all things sleep. Originally Sleepopolis started with mattress reviews, but we have big plans to expand going forward! We’re so grateful to you (our readers) for taking the time to appreciate our hard work, and we hope that we repay you by helping you best tackle the most important (and often least thought-about) 8 hours of the day.

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